Summary
A 49-year-old patient care advocate for a Department of Defense contractor was denied a security clearance due to concerns under Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had unresolved debts and failed to disclose financial obligations on her security clearance application, specifically answering "no" to Question 22b regarding debts over 180 days delinquent.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under Adjudicative Guideline (AG) ¶ 19(a) and AG ¶ 19(c). While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(c), and AG ¶ 20(d) were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's unresolved debts, lack of demonstrated effort to repay them, and the resulting questions about her reliability and trustworthiness. Although her failure to disclose debts on the application was deemed careless rather than intentional, and she showed honesty and a commitment to managing current finances, her past financial issues and ongoing debts ultimately led to the denial of her eligibility for access to sensitive information.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved debts and has not made efforts to repay them.
- The applicant's financial problems raise concerns about her reliability and trustworthiness.
- The applicant's failure to disclose debts on her security clearance application was deemed careless, but not intentional.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedBehavior Happened Long Ago or InfrequentlyThe applicant's financial issues began three years ago and she currently pays her bills.
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedConditions Largely Beyond the Person's ControlThe applicant's financial problems arose from a significant decrease in income after leaving a stressful job.
- AG ¶ 20(c)appliedReceived Counseling for the ProblemThe applicant completed a financial counseling course and is in the process of filing for bankruptcy.
- AG ¶ 20(d)rejectedGood-faith Effort to Repay DebtsThe applicant has not contacted creditors to establish a payment plan.
Key Rule Quoted
“A person who seeks access to sensitive information enters into a fiduciary relationship with the Government predicated upon trust and confidence.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedOct 18, 2010
- Answer filedNov 2, 2010
- Hearing heldMar 10, 2011
- Decision dateApr 29, 2011
Cite For
- Trustworthiness Concerns Under Guideline F Due to Unresolved Debts
- Carelessness in Financial Disclosures on Security Clearance Applications
- Mitigating Conditions Related to Financial Difficulties and Personal Conduct